Anonymous post The Avengers identities online

The virtual hackers group, known collectively as "Anonymous", have published the contact details for the members of Marvel Comic's The Avengers. The publication followed an audio message to Stan Lee accusing The Avengers of "hiding behind false identities, to bring about the destruction of property on an industrial scale."

The real names of Iron Man (Tony Stark) and the Hulk (Bruce Banner) have already been revealed, but Anonymous promises more to come. One online message made their intentions clear: "We've seen The Avenger's line-up change multiple times since 1963, but their modus operandi is always the same - smashed walls, broken windows, collapsed roofs, etc. We want to put an end to what is clearly a systematic attack on the insurance industry."

Targets of Anonymous hacktivism and distributed denial-of-service (DDoS), have included government agencies and financial institutions, while at the same time resolutely defending WikiLeaks. According to Marvel Comics editor-in-chief Joe Quesada, such action '...plays into the hands of super villains like Kang the Conqueror and Loki". There are also concerns that innocent Fathers for Justice activists could be targeted.

A spokesmen for Anonymous (complete with Guy Fawkes mask) hinted at future actions: "We've been watching Gigglebiz for some time now and we have a sneaking suspicion there is one man behind all the characters. Mr Tumble, we are coming for you!"